About Jana McCarthy

I’m a coach, educator, and storyteller passionate about helping people discover their strengths, clarify their goals, and create the future they envision.

I bring over two decades of experience in higher education, leadership, and student success. My work has spanned academic advising, academic coaching, mentoring, training, professional development, and organizational culture change. I’ve also held leadership roles in multiple local, state, and national professional organizations, where I’ve championed initiatives that expand access to meaningful development opportunities and build communities of practice.

I’m a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths® Coach, a CRLA Level III Certified Master Tutor, and an InsideTrack Certified Academic Coach and Trainer. My background includes an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Sam Houston State University and dual B.A. degrees in Psychology and History from the University of Houston.

Beyond titles and credentials, my work is driven by a deep belief in servant leadership — meeting people where they are, fostering growth, and helping them see possibilities they may not yet recognize in themselves. Whether in the classroom, a workshop, or a one-on-one coaching session, my approach blends clarity, direction, and growth with a dash of humor and a lot of heart.

Outside of my professional life, I’m a traveler drawn to history, culture, and the unexpected roadside attraction. I’m also the photographer behind Fractured Harmony, capturing the beauty and complexity of the world through my lens. You can explore my photography on Instagram.

Clarity. Direction. Growth.
That’s more than a tagline — it’s the way I live and work every day.